Roberta has described Montpellier to us as lovely city and she's right. It's a vibrant and indeed very beautiful city that seems to have embraced the modern world with a 21st century tram system running through it. There are apparently up to 60,000 students here - but they weren't all out on the streets while we were there although a fair few of them found their way on to the Avenue de Liberte for the main event of the afternoon, the arrival of "The Tour". We'd never been to one of these before so we picked our spot, 5 km from the days finish line, and got there early. About three hours early as it happens. But that was ok as it was all good stuff, from the "local authority" workman who was cycling - apparently to work - way after the road had been closed but was revelling in his impression of leading "Le Tour", to the "Caravan", where random items were thrown off passing buses, cars and floats to - no, at - the gathered masses. Sorry Steve but we didn't get the shirt you'd hoped for

. But we did get a selection of (five) hats, two key rings, a pack of the madeleines, a condom and "Le Journal de Mickey Mouse". A fine haul!!!

The passing of the bikes was over in seconds. They flew past. Steve tells me they were doing 60km/hr - apologies therefore for the quality of the photos. And you know those cretins that lean right into the road to get pictures and you feel sure are going to get clattered. Yes - very nearly, it was me!!!

Anyway, I've no idea who won the stage. I gather Cavendish came in fourth or thereabouts. But it was a great experience.........